Share this article

The Skånemejerier wants rival dairy company Arla to pay one million kronor ($167,000) in fines over an illustrated cow which bears a close resemblance to the former's own logo.

In a case filed in Sweden's Market Court, Skånemejerier claims that the cow on Arla's Powercow milkshake product looks too similar to its own mascot, Kalvin the cow, reports the Dagens Media magazine.

In addition to the fine, Skånemejerier also wants Arla to pay damages and to “destroy or change all product packaging, signs, advertising material, websites, business documents or similar, which is included in the ban”.

But Anders Svensson, the head of Arla in Sweden, is perplexed by Skånemejerier's bovine bloviating.

“We haven't done anything wrong,” he told Dagens Media.

“We are surprised at Skånemejerier's reaction.”

He theorizes that the rival dairy has filed the suit because of Arla's decision to launch its Powercow milkshake product in Sweden this year, noting that the product has been on sale in the Middle East for the last decade.

From our sponsors

London has always had a certain allure that pulls in entrepreneurs from near and far. As one of the world's most connected cities, a top financial centre and a multicultural melting pot, countless professionals from Europe and beyond are drawn to London like moths to a flame.